(a) SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation)
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established in 1985 with the objective of promoting regional cooperation, economic integration, and cultural exchange among South Asian nations. The eight member states of SAARC are India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Afghanistan (joined in 2007).
Objectives of SAARC
1. Regional Integration: Enhancing trade, connectivity, and economic cooperation.
2. Poverty Alleviation: Implementing initiatives to reduce poverty and improve living standards.
3. Cultural and Educational Exchange: Encouraging cooperation in education, science, and technology.
4. Disaster Management and Climate Action: Addressing common environmental and disaster-related challenges.
Challenges Faced by SAARC
1. Political Conflicts: Indo-Pakistan tensions have repeatedly stalled SAARC’s progress.
2. Economic Barriers: Intra-regional trade remains low due to tariff and non-tariff barriers.
3. Lack of Implementation: Many agreements remain unimplemented due to bureaucratic inefficiencies.
4. China’s Growing Influence: China’s engagement with SAARC members outside the framework challenges India’s regional leadership.
SAARC has made progress through initiatives like the SAARC Development Fund and SAARC Disaster Management Centre, but its success remains limited due to internal conflicts and political differences. As a result, India has shifted focus to BIMSTEC as an alternative regional cooperation platform.
—
(b) BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation)
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) was established in 1997 to promote regional connectivity and cooperation among Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Objectives of BIMSTEC
1. Economic Growth: Strengthening trade, investment, and connectivity among member nations.
2. Security and Counterterrorism: Enhancing cooperation on counterterrorism, cyber-security, and transnational crimes.
3. Technology and Energy Cooperation: Advancing technology-sharing and sustainable energy solutions.
4. Disaster Management and Climate Change: Coordinating disaster response and climate action policies.
Significance of BIMSTEC for India
– Provides an alternative to SAARC, reducing dependency on Pakistan-dominated forums.
– Strengthens India’s Act East Policy, linking South Asia with Southeast Asia.
– Enhances connectivity through initiatives like the BIMSTEC Transport Connectivity Master Plan.
Challenges of BIMSTEC
– Lack of institutional mechanisms for decision-making and policy implementation.
– Slow progress in infrastructure projects and economic integration.
– Geopolitical tensions among member states sometimes hinder cooperation.
Despite challenges, BIMSTEC has gained momentum in recent years, with India hosting the BIMSTEC Summit (2022) and pushing for greater regional cooperation in trade, security, and development.
